An ancient culture

The Dukha's history can be traced back for thousands of years, and to this day - the people still live as their ancestors once did. They are a nomadic tribe of reindeer herders, whose lives greatly revolve around their spiritual connection with nature.

Prepare for an adventure through northern Mongolia. These photos, taken by photographer and award-winning filmmaker Hamid Sardar-Afkhami, captivate the breathtaking culture of the Dukha.

Their way of life

The Dukha are very dependent upon their reindeer in regards to survival. Not only do they provide them with food (such as milk and cheese), but they also are used for transportation, for making fuel (from their dung), creating tools (with their antlers), and for sewing clothing (using their manes).

Unbelievable strength

The reindeer are very strong animals, which is why the Dukha use them for transportation. They carry riders through the hilly terrain of northern Mongolia (in all kinds of weather) for hunting purposes, to travel to villages for selling and trading, and during their seasonal migrations.

The animals of northern Mongolia

As a culture that practices Shamanism, the Dukha have a spiritual relationship with everything in nature. They live among all of the wild animals in their region, including eagles, wolves, and bears. Like the reindeer, some of these animals they also train.

A tribe on the verge of extinction

With the amount of reindeer decreasing in northern Mongolia, the number of Dukha has declined as well. There are just over 40 families left in their peaceful tribe. Although they have a long history - sadly its undetermined how much longer they will last...